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He said he saw the teenager “balance over the railings facing upwards” between the eighth and ninth floor.

“He fell over the railings,” he added.

“I ran down the stairs phoning 999 and put on my gloves.”

The court heard Mr Perry began administering CPR and did “everything he could” in a desperate bid to save the teenager.

Deputy coroner Andrew Cox praised him for his actions, saying: “Thank you very much indeed for what you tried to do for Luke that night. Lots of people wouldn’t be able to do that and you did do that.”

DC Sarah Thorne, based at Charles Cross Police Station, told the inquest that there was no evidence of any third party involvement in Mr Johns’ death.

She added that students told officers that a number of people, including Mr Johns, had smoked cannabis and taken MDMA that night.

The court heard the teenager, who was 6’8’’, died from multiple head injuries.

A post mortem examination revealed he had also suffered large cuts to his armpit and lower leg and compound fractures to his his left tibia and fibula.

Toxicology tests showed he had 196mg of alcohol in 100ml of his blood – about two and a half times the legal drink-drive limit.

The court heard the level of MDMA in his system was well below the toxic range but could have had a significant impact on his balance, coordination and judgement.

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A investigation conducted by landlord Unite Students found the stairway complied with building regulations of the time. The author found that no changes needed to be made to the building, the court was told.

Mr Cox, deputy coroner from Plymouth, described the death as an “absolute tragedy”.

Summing up the evidence, he said: "The circumstances as we have heard is that Luke was doing what all students do – having a good time."

He added: "I think what has happened to Luke, he’s gone out, had a good night out with his friends. He’s had a bit too much to drink and he’s taken drugs, which I cannot condone.

He continued: "I’m quite clear he didn’t intend to fall over and perhaps lost his balance because he’s under the influence.

"I think he may have staggered and lost his balance for whatever reason and he’s toppled over the bannister and fallen to his death. This by all description is an accident.

“It is a horrible accident and an absolute tragedy.”

Discovery Heights in Plymouth city centre (Image: Penny Cross)

Following his death, floral tributes were left near the stairs at the Discovery Heights, next to lit candles, a bottle of scrumpy and cans of cider.

One note read: “We send our heartfelt sympathies to friends and family through this difficult time. Rest in peace. Love 805.”

Friend Summer Louise Otton said: “This is the beginning of what people have been placing in Discovery in memory of the wonderful Luke Johns.”